Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 26: The psychological impact of India's Operation Sindoor on Pakistan's armed forces has become increasingly evident, with officials claiming that the military action has contributed to declining morale not only within the Pakistan Army but also across the country's wider security establishment.
According to officials, the operation, launched by the Indian armed forces in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, delivered a significant strategic and psychological setback to Pakistan despite Islamabad's public assertions that it had emerged stronger from the confrontation.
Officials said the effects of the operation have extended beyond the army, creating what they described as a ripple effect across various security forces engaged in internal counter-insurgency operations.
One official pointed to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's elevation to the rank of Field Marshal shortly after the operation as an attempt to project strength and restore confidence within the military. According to the official, Munir strongly pushed the Shehbaz Sharif government to confer the rank upon him—the second such appointment in Pakistan's history—to reinforce the narrative that Pakistan had emerged victorious.
The move, officials said, was intended to reassure both military personnel and the general public at a time when questions were being raised over the army's performance.
Officials further claimed that Munir's efforts were also aimed at boosting the morale of security personnel deployed against insurgent groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to official sources, incidents of desertion have reportedly increased among members of the armed forces and security agencies, reflecting growing frustration and declining confidence within the ranks amid multiple security challenges.
Another significant development cited by officials was Pakistan's decision to increase defence expenditure by 18 per cent for the 2026 fiscal year. Although the move reportedly faced resistance from the Shehbaz Sharif government due to the country's fragile economic condition, officials claimed that Munir insisted on the hike to strengthen Pakistan's military preparedness following Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan's federal budget for FY2026 earmarked nearly PKR 3 trillion for defence, accounting for around 16 per cent of total federal expenditure.
Officials alleged that accommodating the increased defence allocation came at the expense of development and welfare programmes. The Public Sector Development Programme was reduced to approximately PKR 1 trillion, leading to cuts in infrastructure projects, educational initiatives and other public development schemes.
They also claimed that provincial governments were asked to curtail development spending, while surplus funds from Punjab and Sindh were redirected to the federal government. In addition, energy and utility subsidies were reportedly scaled back, increasing the financial burden on ordinary citizens through higher electricity and gas costs.
To meet fiscal requirements, the government also intensified tax collection efforts, setting a revenue target of PKR 15.26 trillion.
Officials maintained that despite higher defence spending, concerns over troop morale persisted, prompting the government to approve a revised pay structure for military personnel.
According to Intelligence Bureau sources, the revised package provides a 25 per cent salary increase across all ranks and has already been implemented. Officials claimed the decision was intended both to improve morale and retain personnel at a time when Pakistan's security forces continue to face challenges on multiple fronts.
Officials further argued that Operation Sindoor, combined with ongoing unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has intensified pressure on Pakistan's armed forces.
Security experts said Operation Sindoor targeted major terrorist infrastructure in a swift and coordinated strike, including facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to officials, the operation's psychological impact has compelled Pakistan's military leadership to adopt measures aimed at restoring confidence within its ranks, even as those decisions place additional strain on the country's economy and public finances.